The knockout stage of the AFC Champions League 2016 has finally started. Urawa Reds finished in second place in Group H, and are will play a home game at Saitama Stadium 2002 against FC Seoul, who won Group F thanks to their overwhelming strength. TAKAHAGI Yojiro, who used to play for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, kick starts FC Seoul’s powerful attacks. How Urawa’s defenders react and prevent FC Seoul’s attacks will be vital. This match between two strong teams, K League leaders FC Seoul and Urawa Reds who are in second place in the J.League, cannot be missed.

Coach and Players' Comments

Mihailo PETROVIC, Coach (Urawa Reds)
We got through the group stage and will meet FC Seoul tomorrow. Every team, who survived the group stage, is very strong, including FC Seoul and us, Urawa Reds. This match between two competitive teams will be close and tough. I expect that both teams are determined to win, and will play with real motivation. Despite a tough 180-minute long game, we’d like to play as hard as possible.

ABE Yuki (Urawa Reds)
I expected that we would have to play against our tomorrow’s opponent, FC Seoul, if we got through the ACL. I’m sure it’ll be an excellent match. I’ll play hard to get a good result, especially because it’s a home game.

CHOI Yong Soo, Coach (FC Seoul)
I have played against Urawa Reds several times before. I do look forward to meeting them in the ACL. Although we’ll play an away game for the first leg, I’d like to play hard to strike the opener, while keeping a clean sheet. I’d like to show off our playing style and get a good result. I think this first leg will be vital.

TAKAHAGI Yojiro (FC Seoul)
It’ll be an essential match, as it’s the first match among the final 16. I’d like to win away game against Urawa, so that we can get through to the quarterfinals back in Korea Republic. Though it’s away game, I’ll play hard to earn a victory, and I will not be satisfied with a draw.

AFC Champions League 2016

27 January 2016 - 26 November 2016

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